CONTROLS Synonyms: 196 Similar and Opposite Words

controls 1 of 2

noun

plural of control

as in controllers

a mechanism for adjusting the operation of a device, machine, or system the controls for the player are well marked

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as in hands

the ability to direct the course of something after the tail fell off, the plane went out of the pilot's control firefighters keeping control of the blaze

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as in operations

the act or activity of looking after and making decisions about something control of manufacturing operations was given to a new manager with fresh ideas

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as in powers

the right or means to command or control others teachers are responsible for the students under their control

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controls

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of control

as in regulates

to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression) you must learn to control your temper

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as in contains

to gain emotional or mental control of he controlled himself only with the greatest difficulty in the face of his opponent's insulting remarks

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as in rules

to exercise authority or power over circumstances often control the choices we make in life

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as in operates

to look after and make decisions about during the period that she controlled the company it was highly profitable

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of controls

Noun

For operators, the goal is to expand autonomous inspection coverage while maintaining the same access controls and audit procedures used for human workers. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026 This not only improves energy efficiency but also creates additional work to build smart controls, battery systems, microgrids, and distributed energy infrastructure. — Kevin Williams, CNBC, 26 Sep. 2026 Restrictions on access to the most advanced chips because of US export controls, coupled with smaller capital markets, have pushed Chinese developers toward open models as a way to compete with leading US proprietary systems. — John Liu, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026 Philo hasn’t been as flashy as Chambliss during the Gators’ fast start, but has been efficient and unflappable at the controls of an attack setting a torrid pace while averaging 54 points. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Sep. 2026 Strict privacy regulations, including requirements for sensitive data segmentation, make robust access controls and staff training essential. — Sameer Bhat, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026 The settlement also outlines more robust and user-friendly parental controls, stronger age verification measures TikTok must take, and stronger content moderation protocols. — ABC News, 25 Sep. 2026 Pairing it with a Samsung phone unlocks even more cool features like gesture controls and advanced AI insights. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 25 Sep. 2026 Or Hwang could venture into the more flexible surplus lines market, made up of largely out-of-state carriers that specialize in high-risk insurance sold without price controls or state backing. — Paige St. John, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026

Verb

The agency would also create standards covering sandbox testing environments; air gaps, or isolating testing environments from the internet; kill switches; and controls that prevent models from escaping lab settings and roaming on the Internet. — Garrett Downs, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026 Because in Genevieve’s world, whoever controls the story controls reality. — Joe Otterson, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026 Trump has not done that for his building projects, even though his party controls both houses of Congress. — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 28 Sep. 2026 Companies must negotiate with OEMs or third parties to determine who controls vehicle data and access permissions. — Stacey Moser, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026 The check confirms that a user controls an eligible mobile number. — Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026 Roberto Pesenti, a member of the family that controls the holding, was appointed head of strategic development in 2025, after joining the company’s investment and development department in 2019. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026 So what needs to happen is the county, which controls the drug programs, needs to have far more [treatment] beds. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026 Shared infrastructure does not prove that one person or organization controls every DoppelCart store. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for controls

Noun

The glasses are able to display better visuals than the older Quest headset, and contain sensors that track users' eyes and hand movements, which reduces the need to use controllers to interact with the device.

— Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026
While professional drones use remote controllers and a screen, others operate easily with a mobile phone or a tablet.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of controllers

Noun

Plans for the marina include an owner’s pavilion, private suite, crew facilities, marina operations space, maintenance facilities, security offices and a rooftop swimming pool.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026
The new batch of Su-57 multi-role fighter jets have been modernized based on extensive experience from its use in combat operations, according to reports.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of operations

Noun

After finishing third in district behind 4A powers Decatur and Springtown last season, the Highlanders won a playoff game for the first time since 1999.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026
Then, in March this year, the regime passed a new passport law, giving itself broad powers to cancel or reject passport applications if the applicant is deemed a threat to national security, among other reasons.

— Andrew Nachemson, The Dial, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of powers

Verb

Moisture affects resistance A memristor (or a memory resistor), is a two-terminal electrical component that regulates current flow while remembering the amount of charge that has passed through it before.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026
The unit regulates vehicles for hire, including taxicabs, limousines, shuttle vans and special needs transportation vehicles.

— Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of regulates

Verb

The simple website contains a page that names the seven defendants in Jane Doe’s suit and contains blank boxes that indicate that photos of them will be uploaded —and potentially pages for the men who are facing accusations.

— Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2026
Further back, an open, airy great room with pocketing glass doors opening to the backyard contains a fireside living room, casual dining area, and kitchen outfitted with white oak cabinetry, two islands, and a walk-in pantry.

— Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of contains

Verb

Paul Paul of Dune, the heir to the House of Atreides that rules the planet of Caladan, spends most of his story trying to outrun a destiny that’s been mapped out for him by others.

— Sarah Scott, Parents, 17 Sep. 2026
If the court rules in their favor, Kushner’s project may have to be halted.

— Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of rules

Verb

The British tech unicorn, which operates a string of AI-ready data centres in the US and Europe and is backed by the deep pockets of Nvidia, has filed for an IPO on the New York Stock Exchange.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 27 Sep. 2026
The Resolutions Living home operates in a regulatory gray area and is not authorized to provide medical care.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026